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En route to the Kermadec Islands

A Te Papa expedition, in collaboration with Massey University, is going to study the fish fauna of the Kermadec Islands, some 1000km North of mainland New Zealand.

We left Tauranga aboard the MV Tranquil Image yesterday. Loading all the gear on the deck was a bit more of a challenge than usual because of the extra fuel that we had to take for this long trip going far offshore. It is now just over 24 hours that we are steaming non-stop to the North. We will need another 36 hours at least to reach our destination, Raoul Island.

Loading up the Tranquil Image with gear. More than 10km of rope for deployments of video units and fish traps are necessary.

The night was, let’s say interesting, since the sea became a little bit rougher when it was time to get a rest. I think that like everybody else aboard, I only half-slept.

But in two days, we will be able to start our sampling campaign in one of the most amazing place on earth. It is enough to keep us awake. My shipmates Charlie, Carl, Adam and Tom are all looking forward to discover this untouched ground.